mot testing and car servicing

Peugeot 206 Misfiring-Including pulling problem-Fuel Injector problems?

/in /by

Peugeot 206 Misfiring

Peugeot 206 with engine problem

So, when you own a garage in the same town as a main dealer. You are more likely to get second and third hand cars in with problems. Of course, rather than the customer taking their car back to the usually more expensive main dealer. And why not! In most cases we have just as good equipment and knowledgeable staff, as the main dealers anyway. If we get stuck with a technical problem. Importantly, we have also got a network of people who specialise in the make of car. So from where the problem has arose. So, we can always rely on their help if such an occurrence arises.

The problems that can happen are usually electrical and although we have an array of scanners and computers, they don’t always get down to the problem and we have to seek help from friend who is a specialist in that field. This however did not apply to one of the jobs that a customer left with us the other week.

Peugeot 206 started OK but did not pull on hills.

The car was a Peugeot 206 2001 model and had started up on a morning, with no problems. At first the car drove along OK, but after about ½ an hour, the car started to lose power. The Peugeot 206 was still drive-able but he did notice a lack of power?

The car was also able to accelerate away when required, but his foot was down to the floor. He said that he thought that the car was asking for more fuel and had to keep it into a lower gear, say third instead of fourth. He said that a few years ago the 206 had a catalytic converter failure and the symptoms felt very similar.

The guy left the Peugeot 206 with us and Ryan decided the best plan was to plug the car into our scanner and see if anything showed up there. We often get similar problems with these

Sometimes the owner says that the engine feels like it is misfiring

Such as a guy who recently called in with his 206 Gt. This one ended up having an injector problem and we fixed it accordingly.

The scanner we used was a Solus Pro from Sun equipment. Subsequently, came up with a fault code R0270 Injector cylinder 4 circuit. This was a very clear indication what the problem was .

So, we contacted the customer with a price so that we could go ahead with the job. One important thing to remember about these injectors. Significantly, is that on French cars such as the Peugeot 206 they are changed as follows. Firstly, the number 1 injector is at the gearbox end. Secondly, the number 4 is at the driver’s side. Importantly, it is easy to replace the wrong one.

It has been known that the wrong injector has been changed? Say number 2 could be mixed up with number 3. This would mean that you may have changed the injector, but would still end up with the same engine problem and this has probably happened hundreds of times, by DIY car repairers.

After we were given the go ahead by our customer, Ryan ordered the new part and fitted it on its arrival. The code error then cleared and the Peugeot 206 was back to normal and collected by its happy owner.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Falken all weather and winter tyres

Winter Tyres Insurance-Could fitting them Affect Your Car Insurance?

/2 Comments/in /by

Winter Tyres Insurance

So, I always find it strange to hear my customers say “will my car be insured if I fit winter tyres”. I used to think that they were joking at first. But for some reason, they were very serious. Apparently it was something that they had read in a national newspaper. When I checked this out, it said that if you modify or change your car from the original specs. So, then you should inform your insurance company. Subsequently, or you could not be insured in case that you had an accident.

I suspect that this covers thousands of motorists. Importantly, driving about today, “with what they would consider minor adjustments” to their cars. Of course, such as fitting winter tyres, or a “go faster stripe “down the side.

There is no doubt that winter tyres do affect your cars performance. However, only for the better!  By making the car drive with better control and brake better. Especially, in winter weather from rain to ice and snow. As long as you stick to the same size and the advised load rating for your car. Then you should be fine and proud to fit the winter tyres.

Insurance companies should give you “discount” for fitting winter tyres

Even this year our customers have asked about the affect winter tyres can have on their insurance. So I thought that I would look into a little deeper and write an article about the subject. In my opinion I think that you should get a rebate from your insurance company. Of course, if you make your car safer by fitting winters to it. In fact the big debate to me is “are cars with illegal part worn tyres insured” and the answer is NO. But I will look at that in a future article.

The problem has also become an issue with the insurers themselves. Consequently, after a deluge of inquiries from worried car owners. Strangely, thinking that they would not be insured if they fitted these tyres to their car. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) the problem has been taken up with its members. So, now over 90% have agreed that they will not increase premiums. Happily, for their customers that fit the correct winter tyres to their vehicles.

Winter tyres much safer

They also agreed that fitting winters to their car. So, made for better road safety over the winter period. In fact many of the other European countries make it a law to fit winters between November and March of the following year, so why should the British motorists be penalized.

A statement from the ABI says; “often motor insurers will not charge an additional premium when their insured customers use winter tyres, provided that they meet, and are fitted in accordance with, the vehicle manufacturers’ specifications and are in a roadworthy condition”

If you are unsure about your own insurance company as regarding their stance on the matter, then you can either ring them up or go to the ABI website where insurers are listed, who comply with “good to fit winter tyres “ruling. The web address is… “ABI a guide to winter tyres“.

Winter tyres will not incur extra insurance costs

Have I have stated earlier in this article. So, the insurance companies often increased the costs of your insurance if you modified your car in any way and did not inform them, things like an upgraded modified engine spring to mind. They regarded you as been more likely to have an accident, if you had modified your car and also your car may have become a bigger target to car thieves, so an extra premium would have been charged.

At first when winter tyres became more popular the insurance companies gave out mixed messages, but the ABI can now confirm that winter tyres are a safety issue and are a great improvement when fitted to your car through the winter period.

My own advice would be to inform your insurance company that you are fitting winter tyres. You will, not have to pay any extra premiums. Some companies do require you to inform than a list can be found on the ABI web-site. Nick Starling, ABI’s director of general insurance, said: “Insurers do not want to penalize motorists who take steps, like fitting winter tyres, to improve their safety on dangerous winter roads. Last year cold weather came early and there was some uncertainty for customers about the insurance implications of fitting winter tyres. This commitment clarifies the position for motorists.”

Good tyre retailers will have a web site for converting the sizes over legally. Importantly, and should be accepted by the insurance companies. Some insurance companies such as Tesco and The Co-operative insurance company state that you are alright to fit winters but you should not oversize them. Over sizing any tyres is not a good thing anyway?

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Finally, we are still the Nokian tyre dealers for the Calderdale area of Yorkshire.

We also sell General Winter Tyres Online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk .

car suspension parts

Vauxhall Corsa Fails MOT Test- Because of Worn Out Front Suspension.

/in /by

Vauxhall Corsa Fails MOT Test

The Vauxhall Corsa is indeed a very popular little car,

Especially with female drivers. The little car also makes a good city car, with very little problem when getting around town and parking. The Corsa is well known for its light steering;

(power steering) which makes the little car easy to maneuver and along with its good rear end visibility makes the car easy to park and is a favorite with the lady drivers.

The car was launched by Vauxhall in 1993 and has proved to be a very successful model for the giant car company. The car has also remained cheap to buy, both new and second hand. We recently purchased a Vauxhall  Corsa from one of our lady customers, to be used as one of our courtesy cars, and it has proven to be a little gem and popular with our lady drivers, who use the car when leaving their own car for servicing or repairs.

The Corsa has a few drawbacks

Size wise this car is not for the taller person. Also, the car is very cramped when driving with four adults, (two fronts and two rears). Additionally, they are also not very suitable for the out of town open road driving. Significantly, noisy due to road and engine noise. Also, they do not corner very well. Especially with a full car of adults.

However despite this the little super mini is very popular amongst younger people. As this is the first car than many first time drivers can usually afford , Corsa’s can be found at bargain prices and as I have said earlier the lady drivers love to drive them around town and they are easy to park.

The running costs of these little cars are one of its assets, the little 1.0 litre cars can do as many as 50 mpg and the diesel versions can come up figures of 60 mpg, making the car a good

choice for the economically minded driver. The insurance is also very low, most normal sized engine cars come into the lowest insurance groups possible. The Corsa is also cheap to service, making the car as I have said earlier cheap and economical to run, favouring the money conscious lady drivers and the young first time car buyers.

Vauxhall Corsa cars have had several factory recalls

These little cars are usually trouble free when it comes mechanical problems apart from the usual wear and tear items such as tyres, exhausts and suspension and brake parts, but there has been a few recall problems with cars between 2000 and 2006.

The following problems included, air bag problem due to faulty software, faulty seat adjustment catches and spring, causing the seat to move or not lock, steering wheel problems, the centre nut that holds the steering wheel in place was not tightened correctly causing the steering  wheel to wobble. The early Corsa had also cam-belt problems, they should be changed every 40,000 miles promptly, or a damaged engine could follow,

One of our long standing lady customers dropped off her car for a service and an MOT test. She said that the car was in excellent condition and should walk the test. Dale Linton tested the car and found that all sorts of things were wrong. The steering and suspension had lots of play in them, the car also had a broken spring and also failed the emissions test.

We always phone our customers before working on their car and we always save the old parts for them to look at.

The Vauxhall Corsa Fails MOT Test.  Requiring new front control arms (known as wishbones to some people). Including a new spring and a new lambda sensor. The lady said that she could hear some knocking coming from the front of the Vauxhall Corsa. When she drove over speed bumps, but did not think much about it. She gave us permission to complete the work. So, new control arms were fitted.

We know that you can fit new control arm bushes.  But this takes much longer and by the time you have removed the old bushes and fitted new ones. Of course, we can fit a complete new arm. The costs work out about the same because of the labour factor.

We fitted a new lambda sensor and a new spring. So, before MOT re-testing the Vauxhall Corsa and then servicing it. The car is now a far better ride than when she brought it in and the lady customer noticed this and thanked us for our great service.

Fire risk prompts UK recall of 10,000 Volkswagen Group hybrid cars

/0 Comments/in /by

Audi 760x500 1

Around 10,000 Audi, VW, Cupra Seat and Skoda plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are being recalled over concerns about a fire risk. It’s part of a global recall which totals more 100,000 PHEVs produced by the carmaker. An insufficiently

Source: Fire risk prompts UK recall of 10,000 Volkswagen Group hybrid cars

brakes pads only posts

Anti-Lock Brake Systems- ABS- have been around for 20 years or more

/in /by

Anti-Lock Brake Systems

Anti-Lock braking systems -problems are now a common thing

So, one of the things that I am most proud about. Of course, been a garage owner ! Is when a customer contacts my garage for a brake problem sorting out? Subsequently, it appears not be the price that the person is worried about. Because they know how important it is to have good brakes on their car.

Before we remove the wheels to examine the brakes. So, generally we have a blank canvas to work from. We know that most cars that get to the stage of having practically no brakes! Then the braking system will be in pretty bad shape. Believe me they usually are.

Back in the old days! Then the cars brakes were a much simpler affair to diagnose and repair. Of course, with only the upper end of the market cars. Having any type of electrical modifications in order to aid  better braking. As in almost all the car developments. So, brakes were originally tested and tried on motorsport vehicles. Long time before been tried and tested on the average road cars. Including the beginning of the ABS braking systems! Importantly, that are in common use today.

At first Anti-lock braking systems only came out on the prestige cars such as BMW and Mercedes

but many drivers had not heard of them before, in fact we still get customers in today that do not know what it means when their ABS warning light comes on and has to be investigated. Twenty years ago many vehicles owners were given the option of having ABS brakes or not, similar sort of thing to fitting alloy wheels or steel wheels, they were an optional extra.

Anti-Lock braking systems work differently to a standard braking system

ABS brakes do act differently to a normal braking system. The main two advantages are that; when you are braking on a wet slippery road surface, or say on ice, then your car will stop quicker, this also applies to normal roads of course. Also the car will handle much better when the driver has to brake and steer at the same time, once again say in bad weather conditions, the car will handle much better that when using a conventional braking system.

In any normal driving situations such as stopping at traffic lights or at a road junction, then the Anti-Lock Braking Systems does not activate, but if you need to brake sharply and suddenly then the Anti-Lock Braking Systems will be activated and assist you in braking more safely.

The Anti-Lock Braking Systems sends out pulses of pressure instead of the single pressure that is asserted when braking a normal car. You can actually feel the pulses coming through the brake pedal when you have to assert pressure on to the brake pedal in an emergency stop. It is also important to note that if you do come across a bad situation caused by say snow or a non-tarmac road, then you will still have to slow down, your ABS system will not help you in such situations.

The main gaining point of Anti-Lock Braking Systems is that the driver has full control when braking and steering at the same time and can help the driver to steer away from danger; they prevent the wheel from locking, in certain conditions.

Practice your ABS brake system

In my experience it has always been a good idea to take your car and have a practice with the brakes if you are driving a car fitted with ABS brakes for the first time and get used to the different feel of the brakes when going straight and when steering.

The in cab ABS warning light may come on if there is a fault with the ABS system or the normal braking system. If the warning light comes on then you should have the brakes looked at as soon as possible. In our experience it is usually something simple such as a faulty electrical connection or even that the car needs a set of new pads. You can also find problems with Anti Lock Brake Sensors and other Anti Lock Brake Parts. Once the problem has been found and rectified the ABS warning light can be re-set with a computer.

Also sell Firestone Tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk. By using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work. Also an official MOT testing station who carry out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship.

New batteries-Solar Energy Storage

Battery Storage systems could significantly reduce the power of the National Grids.

/in /by

Battery Storage systems

Battery storage systems-(was not an option)

Because of the way that we built our national power plants. Interestingly, in some cases over a hundred years ago. Importantly, will have to change in the future! Of course, to meet our electrical needs. So for the production of solar energy and its distribution. Through our home solar panels collections and solar collection farms. Including the wind turbine installations.

So the original “national grid” plants were originally owned by the government. But in recent times were privatized here in the UK by the Conservative government. Of course, led by “Margret Thatcher“. These massive coal and gas powered installations distributed power all over the “British Isles“. Subsequently, many of the power stations were located in coal mining areas of Yorkshire. Importantly, where the coal was transported locally. Resulting in the electricity being sent across the country. Carried on massive power line systems. Then diverted into smaller sub-stations. So, then before distributed to homes and businesses. Of course, usually in an underground power network.

Things are about to change

In recent times we have seen massive investment into the solar energy collecting market. Including, the introduction of new technologies.  Such as wind turbines and solar panel farms that turn the sun and the winds energy into producing electricity. Most people will now have seen these giant turbines across the countryside of most countries. Technological advances including battery storage systems will soon mean that things may have to change in the near future. Importantly, for these nationalized electric companies. Increasingly, as the end consumers start to install solar systems to their homes. Including many businesses across the world.

The price of fitting a solar system to your roof has come down dramatically. mainly because things have become mass produced and affordable. Helping people reduce their electric bills. The only other problem has been that the power produced could not be stored! Until recent years when battery storage systems have become widely available. So, becoming more easily installed using a few simple instructions.

Advantage to isolated communities

This has become of great benefit to cut off people who live in the country. Or in larger countries the “wilderness” . Of course,who are now able to make the production of electricity.  Storing it for the night use when the sun goes down. This can also lower the cost of their energy . Consequently, which has gradually become one of the most expensive household items in recent years.

Interestingly, I have electricity collecting panels on my roof. Selling the electricity back to my provider. Thus reducing my electric bills by half. Here in the UK we are limited to the number of solar panels to one roof. For this reason I don’t think that we are allowed to go self-sufficient. Of course, by producing all our own electricity. However, some countries are different. Such as the USA, where consumers can go their own way.

In many people’s opinions the day is not too far away when our roof panels will generate electricity which will be stored in a battery storage system. The householder will own an electric car and along with powering the rest of the house, the battery bank will also charge your car battery at night time, totally self-sufficient in electric power.

As I have said this is a perfect scenario for the perfect little houses in a perfect little village, but what about the rest of the population who live in multiple units and don’t even have their own roofs. Could we be looking at communal units of solar panels and storing the electricity in a battery bank, or is that a dream?

Island communities go solar sufficient

Perhaps not, because I have heard of some island communities, who have become self-sufficient by using this method. The batteries are packed into a 20 ft cargo container and the Battery Storage systems will store electricity to be used at night. This also eliminated power failures due storms and broken cables causing outages. The sun reliant system was fitted using up-to-date technology and now works perfectly leaving the island self-sufficient, by using the suns energy and storing it in batteries.

My interest in all this is that I sell solar storage batteries. Subsequently, I am very interested in the whole sun collecting  project. I cannot see the end in the national grid model! But alterations are going to have to be made in future. So, to accommodate the public’s wishes to produce their own electric power on their own premises. Neither do we know what new future technologies will be available. Especially, for collecting the suns power. Significant ideas are coming along all the time.

There is one thing for sure that governments are going to have to face. Giving this greenhouse gas  problem much thought in the future years ahead. Of how we use the power of our sun in years to come.

brakes pads only posts

Brake Juddering Causes-What is it?

/3 Comments/in /by

Brake Juddering Causes

Foot pedal vibrations lead to the brake juddering experience

So, one of the first signs of brake juddering problems. Firstly, is when you can feel a vibration coming through your foot pedal. Secondly, when you press the clutch pedal. So, to brake and stop your car. Some of our customers say that it was a long drawn out process. Eventually though the brake began to get worse. Including the vibrations starting to come through the steering wheel.

Unfortunately, some of our customers think that the vibration is a wheel balancing problem! We also have to check out the problem with a correct diagnosis. However a braking problem will usually come through the brake pedal. So then this is a sure sign of a brake problem.

Unfortunately, one of the main Brake Juddering Causes come from elderly drivers. Significantly, who always cover the brake pedal with their right foot. This applies to manual gear changes or automatic, they what I call “ride the brake” some drivers also do this with the clutch but that’s a different article to cover. What happens if you ride the brake? Well one of the problems is that you are applying extra pressure onto the brake pads that are constantly in contact with the brake discs (brake rotors in the USA). These in turn over heat the discs, and the discs then warp and go out of shape.

Brake juddering is a bigger problem in hilly areas

In my opinion though, driver fault is not the main reason for warped brake discs. I think that the main cause is the terrain. We here in Halifax are in a hilly area and we get a high occurrence of warped brake discs and brake juddering faults from our customers.

In areas where there is very steep inclines, then drivers are more likely to keep their foot on the brakes. Some of the hills in the Hebden Bridge area are like alpine passes with 180 degree bends to contend with. When you come down these roads you have to keep the car in a low gear and be prepared for a vehicle coming up the hill, without braking all the time.

This constant braking is what overheats the discs and causes them to warp and vibrate giving Brake Juddering through your brake pedal. Some garages have a machine that will skim the brakes and stop the vibrating, but I think that once they have overheating then they do not work to their full potential and there for a new set of pads and discs is the best option.

Improved brake technology

Over the years car manufacturers have brought in new technology to balance out the disc overheating problem and try to eliminate the Brake Juddering Causes. Including different metals that can stand more heat and also the disc parts

that now come out with holes drilled in the metal at calculated intervals, for heat dispersal. This can work very well; you can see brake discs actually glowing red hot on some motor sport cars when they have to brake very often at high speed, some can be seen to be glowing white hot in the dark.

This has the same effect as the regular car driven by a regular driver. So, try to avoid heavy braking especially at high speed.  Keep your distance and try not to brake heavily. When you are driving down a steep hill, use a low gear and use the car’s engine as a brake, try not to press the brake pedal constantly.

Have your brakes inspected at regular intervals when the car is serviced. Of course, any worn discs or pads will be picked up by the garage. Importantly, we can even spot a disc that has been overheated in the past.  Because the disc has a blue coloured sheen on it. Remember like many other things to do with a car, prevention is better than a cure.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and Car Brake Repairs to all makes of vehicles.

car clutch Clutch Vibration Problem

Fiat Punto Clutch problems- since 2004? Popular car in Halifax UK

/in /by

Fiat Punto Clutch problems

Fiat Punto have had a raw deal when it comes to clutches

 

So, recently, we have noticed that we have done more than our fair share of clutches. Especially on the Fiat Punto model of car. Interestingly, then I decided to do a little research. Finding some real horror stories. Subsequently, going back to the 2002 Punto models.

One unlucky customer. The owner of a “52” plate Punto 8 valve version. Complained to me about several problems that he had encountered. Including a very bad transmission judder and other small irritants. Unpleasant things, such as engine noises and various oil leaks. Recently, he had just had a clutch fitted! But 1400 miles later the juddering had returned.

Checked out his car on Fiat forums

Inquisitively, he too looked up the Fiat forums. Noticing the amount of Fiat owners who were experiencing various clutch problems on their Punto’s. So, the cars came mainly from the main dealers. Coming from different parts of the country. However, it looked as though Fiat knew about the problem. Subsequently,  did little about the Punto problem.

Interestingly, other Fiat owners were experiencing problems. Especially, with a low biting point clutch pedal and rattling noises. Increasingly, when changing gears. Sounding as if there was a broken spring rattling noise. This can be a common sign that you have a clutch that needs changing. But disgruntled customers did not get much joy from Fiat. Indeed many Fiat drivers opted to have their clutches changed by an independent garage. In some cases a mechanically minded friend or relation was called into to help ?

Other owners complained about their  pedals becoming hard when pressing to change gear. This then developed into them hearing scratching and clicking noises coming from the pedal area of the car, once again this is a sure sign that you need a replacement , in fact this is similar to the latest customers car that we fitted a new clutch to the other weekend and sure enough when we stripped it down the Punto needed a new clutch.

Fiat Punto clutch went again after only 2 weeks

Thank goodness the one that we did the other week was good and the car ran well after we had fitted it with a new clutch, but for some owners that was not the case. One unlucky gut had recently had a new clutch fitted, only to find that a few weeks later the same problems had come back to haunt him. The car had also had a new clutch pedal fitted, but after a few weeks the car once again became difficult to change gear, back to the same problem as pre new clutch?

The problem turned out to be a problem with the clutch bleeding. The mechanic who repaired the car did not know how to bleed the clutch because the Punto’s do not have a normal bleeding nipple system as do many other models of cars and for some reason some air had entered the fluid system of the clutch, making it difficult to change the gears again.

These Fiat Punto Clutch problems were corrected by the garage.

Who had just fitted the new clutch and the mistake was just put down to lack of Fiat Punto experience. So, this can very often happen in a garage that repairs mixed makes of cars.

Going back to the Fiat Punto in at my garage for a clutch. Well it was only the second clutch that this particular car had fitted since 2004 (ten years), so I do not think that that was at all bad. The job to fit a Fiat Punto clutch is one of the easiest to do and the car was back on the road in a couple of hours, the customer was delighted and off he went a few hundred pounds lighter, but happy?

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts.

Keep Your Car Safe

Repairing his girlfriends car-Man fined for driving Midlands to Pembrokeshire to fix girlfriend’s car during lockdown

/0 Comments/in /by

Repairing his girlfriends car

Repairing his girlfriends car

So, all that I can ad to this is that the guy must be very unlucky! Unluckily, the unfortunate guy was travelling to his girlfriends home during the recent government lockdown. The guy told the police that stopped him that he was on his way to repair his girlfriends car. In the hope that this was a good excuse to go out and about! However the police thought differently and proceeded to prosecute the unfortunate driver.

So, he was finally prosecuted and fined a total of £811 by Llanelli magistrates, the guy must have felt sick! Finally I do feel sorry for drivers that are prosecuted for these sad Corvid 19 rules that we all have to endure in these sad times. personally then I am able to travel due to the fact that I own an online business selling and delivering batteries all over the UK.

A man who attempted to justify a lockdown trip from the Midlands into Pembrokeshire by claiming to be traveling to repair his girlfriend’s car has been ordered to pay a total of £811 by Llanelli

Source: Man fined for driving Midlands to Pembrokeshire to fix girlfriend’s car during lockdown – Garagewire

oil and engine warning lights

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)-and summer tyres-can both give you Temperature Problems

/in /by

 TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems).

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

So, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems” have been around for quite a while now. it was developed to compliment  cars that were fitted with run flat tyres or cars that did not have a conventional type spar wheel and tyre.

When a run flat tyre loses pressure, there is no way of knowing so a special valve with a sender, was invented and when there is a loss of air pressure in the tyre the sensor in the tyre valve picks this up and sends a message to the cars computer which lights up a warning light in the cab and alerts the driver that something is wrong with one of his/hers tyres.

The idea is a simple one really,

but it is not that long ago that a driver would not go anywhere without his spare wheel? How things have changed. Now most cars are fitted with in cab warning technologies and it is very common for us to see on a daily basis.

There is however one thing that has cropped up, those drivers may not know. This is that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems in susceptible to temperature changes. This is basic science, when the temperature rises then the air expands and when it cools down then the temperature lowers.

Monitoring Systems valves.

When the temperature drops on cold freezing night. Then so does the air pressure in your tyres. Pressures can drop as much as 10 psi on a really cold night. This can then trigger off your tyre pressure warning light in the car.

It may not happen to all cars! But it is worth noting that if this happens to you. So then you will know what has been happening on that cold dark winters night. In some cars the light will correct itself. Going back out as the air temperature rises. Subsequently, you could increase the air pressure in your tyres and this will stop this happening.

The second temperature related part is the way a summer tyre acts when they get cold too!

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

TPMS and summer tyres in the cold

This temperature issue is probably a little bit better known, but here goes. Summer car tyres and winter car tyres. Importantly, have different chemical compositions in their tyre compounds. The main difference is the addition of “silica” compounds. Into the mix that makes the winter tyres.

The different compounds are there to give different characteristics to the tyres in different weather conditions and heat and cold. Summer’s will get much stiffer and harder in cold weather, making the tyre more difficult to handle when braking and cornering. This change in character starts to come in when the temperature gets below 7 degrees.

Winter tyres remain flexible in the cold-Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

The winter tyres with their different compounds will remain flexible and pliable in colder weather and this combined with a tread design that has been developed to dissipate water, slush and snow, makes the winters  the perfect fitment for your car from November to march here in the Northern hemisphere.

If you are looking for a set of tyres for your car at this time of year then I would strongly advise fitting winter tyres, they have been proven time and time again to be the safest option for your car and your family.

As an update then the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have increased to nearly all car makes and models. So, the importance of tyre pressure to save fuel and emissions cannot be under estimated! So, moving on a few years since I first wrote this post then a few things have happened! Firstly, as reputable tyre dealers then we have to keep a large stock of electronic valves to replace old ones that break or just need replacing.

Going forward we are finding that most problems are caused by seized up metal valve caps. So use plastic valve caps where possible. Importantly, when the warning light comes on please check out the tyre and the tyre pressures ?

Best tyre pressure monitoring systems, Tyre pressure monitoring systems reviews, Tyre pressure monitoring systems cost, tyre pressure monitoring system warning light.